cpf_carrot

I'm looking at getting bike shorts for when I go riding longer distances, but I'm having a hard time making sense of it all. There are a lot of options and not much specific as to what I should look for when choosing some. I don't want to drop a lot of cash trying out a whole bunch, either. Do I go for a few sizes up? I'm normally about 32 to 34.

Right now I'm looking at the "Nashbar LQ8 Short" which seems to be a fair price and is 8-panel, which I gather is a desirable feature. How does that look to you guys?

cg1985

No you probably want to get what fits. ill-fitting lycra is no fun.

The Panels are a two edged sword. They are there to prevent "bunching" but depending on how they are made, you need to watch out where the seems sit, as you want it relatively smooth where any contact is being made with the bike.

Now, I am not an expert with nashbar, but I hear their stuff isn't of great quality. If cycling is something you like, it's better to get something nice, even if it costs a little extra.

For me, if I am going to be using it a lot, especially when it comes to comfort, it is worth it to be the best I can get. Does that mean the most expensive? Nope. Get what works best for you.

DataJunkie

Try velowear.com
Reasonable quality shorts that won't bankrupt your wallet.

caloso

I've had much better luck with Voler than Nashbar. Try https://www.velowear.com/products/1110192PRTXSM.aspx

CastIron

^^ +3

Quality + budget = Voler/Velowear.com

BarracksSi

Get two, or maybe three, different shorts from different brands, and maybe throw in a bib while you're at it. You don't need to get your entire stash at once, either.

The point is, you can't know "what works good for you" until you also find out what doesn't work so well. Almost any biking short is nicer than regular athletic shorts, yet after a while, you'll probably find yourself preferring a particular brand or model. Once you do, stick with them when you get more.

joelh

I just bought 2 pairs of cycling shorts. One for REI, their Norvata brand for about $45. The other from Nashbar, their essential short for $25. The REI short is much much better. I didn't realized there would be that much difference. I will try other brands, but will stay away from Nashbar. I would rather spend more and have something that I can use.

RonH

+4 for velowear.com

If you sign up for their emails you get $$ off on future purchases.

Bibs are much more comfortable than shorts. I have 0 pair of shorts and 10 pairs of bibs. Once you try them you'll never go back.

ProFail

I have two shorts and my team jersey only comes in bib form.....

I don't have a problem with butt-crack-showing-syndrome, so I see no reason to wear them unless I'm racing.

Choke 

+1

I can't imagine why anyone would buy shorts over bibs, there's a huge difference in comfort.

Kommisar89

Neer having worn bibs I don't know so can you guys explain that statement? Why would bibs be more comfortable that shorts? I don't have "butt crack" syndrome either. I've heard that some bibs are cut for shorter torso/longer leg proportions and can pull and cause chaffing with those of us with the opposite physical proportions.

For the OP, every person is different so it would be impossible to recomend a specific pair of shorts for you but since you mentioned you want to use them for longer rides, I would recomend starting with some intended for that purpose. These are often marketed as "century" or "touring" shorts. They tend to have a bit bulkier pad than a racing short but are fairly comfortable. Expect to spend $50-$75 for decent shorts.

stampylisa

i found a BUNCH on clearance at rei .com outlet. They shipped to my closest REI store (if you have one near you) for free shipping. I tried them all on there at the store and returned the ones that didn't fit right. I had ordered about 6 pair and only a couple even fit right. They are all SO different! The ones I kept were $25 on clearance.

DataJunkie

1) No waist band to dig into your waist
2) The chamois tends to stay in the proper location easier
3) No crack issues

coldfeet

+1

Though I can't imagine even trying on a decent pair of shorts that would have the potential for a crack issue.

I used to have no issues with shorts before I tried bibs, but that was when I were naught but a skinny young lad...... Ah! those were the days!

Kommisar89

Well, 1 and 3 don't seem to be an issue for me. Why would the chamois stay in the proper location easier? That really doesn't seem to be an issue either.

coldfeet

Well, if 1 and 3 aren't a problem, then 2 is less likely to be a problem as well, as I said, when I was younger and skinnier I had no problems with shorts either. If I had tried bibs then, I might have preferred them. Now, I definitely do.

cg1985

I'm a lean mean 123.4 lbs. So the shorts fit just fine for me. vOv

Choke 

I didn't think 1 was a problem either. I was fine with shorts and I never thought the waistband dug in until I tried bibs the first time, then I discovered the difference. 2 and 3 I've never had a problem with.

bhop

I bought my shorts from hammernutrition.com for $39.99. If you don't mind the logo, they're made by Voler, and they sent me a bunch of free samples of gels and stuff with it.. I've read that the padding is different from the one previously linked on the Voler site. Better quality.. whether it's true or not, i'm not sure, but I have been using them for a few weeks now and they're awesome.

cpf_carrot

Well, Dick's Sporting Goods had a pair for $30 that I tried on and seemed to fit well, so I picked those up. I've worn them on two extended rides and they are pretty comfortable, no qualms. Thanks for all the advice and suggestions; my next pair may very well come from the internet.

RonH

I like the no waist band/no draw string feature. I can breathe when climbing a hill.

ken cummings

You get what you pay for. I used a set of Pace shorts until they were nearly rags as they supported the boys better then the Nashbar shorts. I prefer a slightly tight fit so things do not slip down between my legs and the saddle.

Zan

I got a couple pairs of Pearl Izumi Quest shorts @ 48$/piece today. Going to go for 100km in them tomorrow .

The other pair of shorts i ride in stand in at 120$/piece. Fancy Sugoi shorts. I find them very comfortable, but a touch bulky if you're walking around in them.

I think both styles of shorts i wear are meant for longer distances, since it's thicker/heavier padding.

ProFail

Are your lungs right above your wang?